Why should you do one?
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An informational interview can provide you with an excellent opportunity to speak with individuals who are currently working your field of interest and to gain valuable insight into the responsibilities required for specific positions.
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Provides a strong networking base and prepares you for future interviews. You do not need to wait until you are involved in a job search to begin scheduling appointments. Begin early and take full advantage of the knowledge of others to better determine your future career path.
First: Start with you
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Know your goals/purpose:
It is important before you begin meeting with individuals that you decide what specific information you wish to gain. Keep in mind that when you ask someone to meet with you they will be taking time out of their day, so it is very important that you go into the appointment knowledgeable of your goals. Questions might include:
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What are my areas of interest?
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What are the skills and abilities I possess that are important in this field?
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Where are my strengths and weaknesses?
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What are my short-term and long-term goals?
Second: Employer research
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Once you have assessed yourself and your interests, the next step is to research those companies that are involved in your area of interest. It is important to not only determine companies and their location, but also career opportunities and paths for growth.
Third: Develop your networking/contact list
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Develop a list of individuals who will be able to assist you in the informational appointment process. Starting the list is easy, write down a list of family, friends, and co-workers, as well as past and present members of student organizations. Keep in mind, your initial contacts do no necessarily need to work in your field of interest. If an initial contact can not help you directly, they may be able to refer you to someone who can.
Fourth: Make contact
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Schedule appointments. Contact can be made either by letter or by phone. If you contact an individual by letter, the format should follow that of a cover letter. If you contact an individual by phone, you may want to develop a script or outline to help you with the conversation. Whichever method you choose it is important that you incorporate the following information:
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Your name and how you were referred to them.
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Your background and the reason for the contact.
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Your goals for the meeting.
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Length of time needed (20-30 minutes per appointment is appropriate).
You want to emphasize to the contact that the appointment is not a job interview, rather an information session designed to learn more about their organization, industry and possible opportunities.
Conducting the appointment
After the appointment is scheduled, more preparation is needed. You are the one who scheduled the meeting; therefore, you will lead the conversation. Continue to research the company in order to develop educated questions. You only have 20-30 minutes, so use it wisely. Listed below are examples of possible questions. Remember you should develop your own industry-based questions.
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How would you describe your position?
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What is a typical day like?
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What opportunities are available for growth?
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What do you enjoy most about the profession? The least?
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What do you feel are the biggest challenges that face the industry?
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Are there any professional associations I should join?
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What courses do you feel would best prepare me for this field?
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Is there anyone you would recommend I speak with for more information?
Although you are not interviewing for a specific position, treat the appointment as you would an interview. Be on time, be prepared, and be professional.